Reviews (42)

Lady Saruman · 15 April 2006 · Chapter 9999: Reawakening and Reunion

Yes, through all the horrible chapters of pain and angst, the concluding chapter is the one with the joy in it. Merry and Pippin see each other, and Aragorn is finally in a mood to joke. I know how he must feel after the person ran away from him because he was going to be crowned king. However, one good thing is that Frodo seems to have forgotten about his grief and his desire for death. In the movie, when Frodo wakes up he was supremely happy and joyous. Between all that, you've fitted this story in neatly. I congratulate you on a very well-done job on this wonderful story. The only difference is that the in the movie Frodo wakes up in Rivendell and this is Ithilien. And one thing I have left to say is that some of your quotation marks are in the wrong place occasionally, but when one ignores it, they'll discover that they are reading the masterpiece of a talented writer! Lots of love, Lady Saruman

Lady Saruman · 15 April 2006 · Chapter 7: A Time to Heal

So, it turns out that Aragorn and Sam made it up to each other really quickly. Aragorn's idea of a dreamless sleep was certainly effective, and I'm glad that he didn't ask for Frodo or Sam's opinions upon the matter, because they would have probably refused and would have started going on again about their grief. Pippin now seems affected too because of his desire to see his cousin and Gandalf, and he does act like Frodo, though not so much now. The love between the hobbit and the man is very evident here.

Lady Saruman · 15 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

My apologies for the late review. Due to many projects & homework for school I have pulled several all-nighters already and I haven't been on this site for over half a month. This chapter is certainly chaos, I can tell you that. The thing I admire about Aragorn is that he's quite selfless, but trying to heal the hobbits when he's still really ill might seriously damage his health permanantly. Pippin's scream of fright must have bestirred him to go help them. But I don't blame Pippin. Anybody would've screamed if they thought that someone who wasn't a healer was going to cut them. However, it is comforting to know that Pippin trusts Aragorn deeply. That's one good thing despite many bad things. Frodo and Sam are both noble, because they tell Aragorn to care for the other when he was caring one of them. I'm afraid the Ring has affected Frodo way too much--in fact, so much that he has been thinking of dying and people killing him. His scream to Aragorn telling him to drive Anduril through Frodo's heart must have been heartbreaking to the future king of Gondor. Then, the fight ensued with Sam and Strider was certainly terrible. Since both are weakened they should not even get up, least of all to fight each other. Aye, terrible, terrible. Well, I hope they'll make it up to each other. There's already been enough heart and guilt for everybody without hard feelings. =(

trishette · 10 April 2006 · Chapter 9999: Reawakening and Reunion

This was only your first fic? I'm quite astonished!

trishette · 10 April 2006 · Chapter 7: A Time to Heal

Wow... the whole friendship exchange between Pippin and Aragorn... so moving! “Why did you do it?” the Hobbit asked suddenly and burst into tears. “Do what?” Aragorn asked in bewilderment. “Risk your life to save me.” Pippin explained tearfully. Legolas and Gimli, who were both sitting nearby groaned at the Hobbit’s astuteness. Taken aback, Aragorn paused in his ministrations. He thought for a moment before resuming. “Why Strider?” Pippin persisted. Aragorn answered with a question.” If you could save Merry, Frodo or Sam but had to take a risk to do so, would you?” he asked. “Yes of course.” Pippin replied without hesitating. “And why would you?” “Because they’re my friends!” Pippin said in a tone, which suggested he thought the question foolish. “You have answered your own question.” Aragorn said quietly. “But I’m just a Hobbit and you’re the King!” Pippin exclaimed bewildered. “A King must always be the servant of his people, I would not deserve that title, if I would not gladly sacrifice my life for my friends.” Aragorn said emphatically. “And you, Pippin are my friend and I hope you always will consider me yours!” That whole segment nearly made me cry, it is so touching! The very strong bonds of friendship are exactly why I love Lord of the Rings so much!

trishette · 10 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

Awww! =( Even though I know everything works out in the end, this strife still is quite the sadness!

Bodkin · 10 April 2006 · Chapter 9999: Reawakening and Reunion

Pippin would be a very light-hearted King of Gondor! But then, he's still growing up - whereas Aragorn has had a long hard training to get where he is at this point. Merry's arrival will be good for the hobbits - and the arrival of the sons of Elrond will be good for Aragorn. It's probably very good for Aragorn and Eomer to have each other around - they both need a bit of fellow-kingly support here and they are better equipped to understand each other's problems. I'm glad they're all well on the road to recovery!

Larner · 8 April 2006 · Chapter 9999: Reawakening and Reunion

And the Ringbearer awakes, not to despair but to joy, even if he doesn't remember what evil he saw before he slept at last. Lovely to finish this again.

Bodkin · 6 April 2006 · Chapter 7: A Time to Heal

Aragorn doesn't like being dependent on anyone, does he? He's spent too much time on his own, really. And prefers to ignore any weakness. Dreamless sleep will help Frodo and Sam - give them a chance to clear their lungs and begin to heal. Pippin needs actual attention more, I think. Get that Brandybuck there! The Pippin cuddle is probably good for Aragorn too - although I doubt he'll admit it.

Larner · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 7: A Time to Heal

Well, they need the forgetfullness, as well as bringing them back in line with canon, of course. But the need to enter healing sleep is perhaps for the two of them the greatest need of all. And apparently Pippin was mature enough not to later tell them what happened before they were placed in that condition. And Pippin relaxing to sleep in Aragorn's arms is a lovely image to contemplate. I wouldn't mind doing that, you know. ;->

harrowcat · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 7: A Time to Heal

Aw! Now that is a much better place to leave them all Linda, sleeping as peacefully as possible having released some emotional stress. Loving this second time around Linda. It is better many ways. Just one query and it is a query not a flame especially as grammar isn't my strong point. Is 'sadly looking' one of those silly split infinitives? Kind of like 'boldy going' from one of my favourite TV shows? I have to admit that, since I began reviewing seriously on this site, my dictionary has been sitting by my lap top because my spelling is awful. So I am not exactly entitled to comment on other people's use of English.

Lady Korana · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

I really love this story. I've been anticipating each new chapter with bated breath, and I have been thoroughly enjoying this glimpse into a rarely depicted period in the Fellowship's history. The hobbits, in particular, are written very believably. However, I feel the need to jump in and defend Gimli, Eomer, and Legolas here. I think you're being terribly unfair to them in your judgement of them here and in your responses to the comments about them. I feel that the behavior of Legolas in this chapter is particularly out of character...coming at Pippin with a knife like that, or snapping at Aragorn. The Legolas I know from the book would have been much more gentle than that, and made more of an effort to relax Pippin and help him understand that it was needed. Heck, the Legolas I know would have observed that Aragorn was awake, tried to help him walk, and made an effort to consult with him before trying a procedure like that. Also, I'm surprised that your Legolas is unaware of the whole 'Hands of a King are the Hands of a Healer' bit of lore. Legolas may be a warrior, but as the heir to an elven realm, he is more than likely better-educated than the common Mirkwood warrior. I was shocked at his lack of sensitivity here. Yes, they're not trained by master healers like Aragorn was, but let's not forget that they had 4 critically ill patients practically dumped in their laps by Gandalf and were told to deal with it. Aragorn can mentally critique them on their attempts at healing, but they did do a decent job in caring for him, and surely he can see that they're doing the best they can for people they dearly love. They deserve a little thanks for their efforts, not just condemnation and dismissal. It's your story, and I support your right to write the characters as you see fit. I just had to speak up, as the Three Hunters are particularly close to my heart, so that tends to make me a tad bit defensive of them. Thanks for listening.

rabidsamfan · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 7: A Time to Heal

Aw... I knew they couldn't stay mad at each other. And I love the exchange with Pippin!

rabidsamfan · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

Very interesting! I like the way that all the patients are reacting to their injuries with crankiness and stubborness -- it seems very much in character. And I'm much interested to see what will happen next!

Bodkin · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

Well - at least Aragorn is on his feet. Just. At least until Sam loses it. Pippin is doing best at the moment, I think - his injuries are simply physical, and although the infection is painful, he will recover. Frodo is in a bad way emotionally, and that hurts Sam and makes him lash out. Aragorn, of course, is doing his best to pretend that he is fine. Not fooling anyone, Estel. Eomer, Legolas and Gimli are doing their best. Shame it's so amateurish! You'd have thought that all those years of battlefield healing would have rubbed a little information into them.

harrowcat · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

My heart breaks every time I read this bit Linda. So see these two at odds, even for a short time, is awful. So please be quick in updating this! *g*

Larner · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 6: Hurting Hobbits

Now Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn are all feeling guilty and hurting themselves and one another in the fussing of it all. Poor lads! But they will find healing--eventually.

Bodkin · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 5: Nurturing Hope

Well - he seems a bit better. Which is a good thing. And they've found some breeches for him. The hobbits are picking up a bit as well. Also good. Eomer and Legolas are managing healer duties fairly competently. They haven't forgotten the importance of food to the inner man/hobbit either. The scream sounds ominous, though.

Larner · 1 April 2006 · Chapter 5: Nurturing Hope

A piercing scream? Don't remember that, of course. But such a thing would rouse anyone capable of awareness. And JUST when he was starting to relax! The healing hands of the King are to be kept busy in spite of themselves.

Raksha The Demon · 1 April 2006 · Chapter 4: The Return of the King

The Great Eagles are the messengers of Manwe; so maybe the Valar heard Eomer's call. Lovely song, btw. And yes, Legolas found some athelas! It grows wherever men of Numenor have lived, so there should be some in Ithilien... I suggest they tie Aragorn up so he won't sicken himself in trying to tend the hobbits. Physicians make lousy patients!

Larner · 31 March 2006 · Chapter 4: The Return of the King

Am rereading this and enjoying it again, Linda. Still some problems getting the quotation marks in the right place, but I feel most of the editing has definitely been to the good.

Lyn · 31 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Journey to Ithilien

Excellent! Just one comment: The wagon came to a juddering halt This is a new word for me (juddering), yet I can't help thinking you might have meant to put "shuddering".

hanci · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 3: Loss of Hope

That was awesome! Sad and poetic. Why the warning? I wouldn't guess it was Éomer coming, it's good it was him. I love your Gimli, but all your characters are great, their thoughts and reactions very...right. Poor guys, they can only watch and hope... But they have good ideas. I haven't heard about this supperstition about ravens, guess it comes handy now, especially thanks to Saruman. I kept thinking "and now he will wake up" again and again - I hope their tears will finally do it. And thank you for mentioning those little things like latrines or insect (sometimes it seems there are no such things in middle-earth).

Lady Saruman · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 3: Loss of Hope

Haha, I am triumphant! SKILLS! But then again, not really, because I listed almost everybody. As I've said before, the list is very random and so the fact that Halbarad is dead is known to me. But Eomer arriving seems like the most unlikely thing that happened. I had expected it to be some Elven healer or something, but instead came another person who is just as helpless as the others. Hobbit babies lying in the sun? That's a kinda strange remedy, in my opinion. Since Legolas has followed the advice that Sam gave him, I don't think that this remedy will cure Aragorn at all. Everyone's reaction when they saw what Legolas was doing. Eomer, in his grief, can find some sense. Everyone thought that Legolas was going crazy to undress the so called 'almost dead' king. So they did think that the king had died after all. They never seem to stick to hope, but I guess it'll be hopeless that they will continue to think that Aragorn will live. Angst all around. But why would it be under the adult warning box?

Bodkin · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 3: Loss of Hope

It's good to see Eomer has come to offer what help he can. I hope what they are doing contributes to Aragorn's recovery. Sam's clasp on his hand seems more likely to anchor him than most things. And I think they should sing! (Well, probably Legolas. Gimli and Eomer might not be up on the right kind of song, and the hobbits are rather too unwell.)